Retrocomputing enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that a new ZX Spectrum replica is on the market: the ESP32 Rainbow. The single board computer swaps the Zilog Z80 for an ESP32-S3 microcontroller chip running an emulator, bringing the classic 80s computer back to life with a modern twist. It features a built-in color display, a microSD card slot for storage, a built-in touch keyboard in the ZX Spectrum style, and a USB Type-C port for power and data. The keyboard was recreated using full-color UV printing and is the most true-to-life component of the ESP32-S3-based ZX Spectrum single board computer. The touch keys wonβt likely offer the best typing experience but that is reminiscent of the original ZX Spectrum. A lovely cherry on top is that the onboard USB-C port supports HID and the device can be used as a keyboard on another computer. The ZX Spectrum is one of [...]
We previously explained the HSTX high-speed serial transmit interface of the Raspberry Pi RP2350 microcontroller was mostly useful for video outputs and display interfaces since it can only transmit, and not receive data. But Steve Markgraf found another use case for the HSTX interface β high-speed data acquisition β combining a Raspberry Pi Pico 2 board with the DVI Sock board for Pico and one of those cheap MS2130-based HDMI to USB 3.0 video capture dongles. He managed to stream out up to 75 MB/s of real-time data from an overclocked RP2350 to a host computer with a USB 3.0 port. The Adafruit Feather RP2350 HSTX board should also work, but also not been tested. Steveβs βhsdaoh-rp2350β data acquisition over HDMI firmware is based on the dvi_out_hstx_encoder example from Raspberry Pi using the HSTX interface for DVI output and code by Shuichi Takano implementing the HDMI data island encoding required [...]
Create Your Own Bot (CYOBot) v2 is an open-source, modular robotics platform for students, educators, hobbyists, and future engineers based on the ESP32-S3 microcontroller and featuring up to 16 servo motors for complex control. The CYOBot v2 is a follow-up to the previous quadrupedal robotic platform from the same company. It adds new features such as a modular design, an upgrade to the ESP32-S3 chip, more motor channels, and an expansion block with more peripherals. It also supports integrating AI systems, such as ChatGPT, for added functionality. The CYOBot supports up to three configurations via the CYOBrain β which powers the robotics platform and controls the servo motors β and separate 3D-printed components. The CYOBot Crawler is a four-legged robot powered by eight 180-degree servo motors. The CYOBot Wheeler form factor features four 360-degree motors linked to wheels at the end of each leg and is essentially a hybrid between [...]
Cambridge-based hardware and cloud computing company, Signaloid has begun crowdfunding for the C0-microSD β a tiny, programmable iCE40UP5K FPGA system-on-module (SoM) in a microSD card form factor. It comes preloaded with a RISC-V softcore and users can also load custom FPGA designs onto the board. Part of the Signaloid C0-microSDβs unique appeal is its SD card form factor, which allows it to fit in unused full SD or microSD slots. This allows the implementation of FPGA-based hardware acceleration in systems without traditional expansion interfaces like PCIe M.2 slots. It can also be interfaced with as a standard SD block device and used to bring hardware-accelerated data processing to existing industrial automation, manufacturing, and robotics systems. The iCE40UP5K FPGA SoM has two main use cases: a hot-pluggable FPGA module or a hot-pluggable RISC-V co-processor module. The SD interface allows you to load custom FPGA bitstreams and applications onto the module from [...]
MicroPython has become one of the most popular ways of programming microcontrollers, and the just-released MicroPython v1.24 adds support for the widely-used Raspberry Pi RP2350 and Espresif ESP32-C6 microcontrollers and a range of other changes. Those include improved RISC-V support with native code generation, an updated Zephyr v3.7.0 RTOS with threading support, unified TinyUSB bindings across ports, a portable UART IRQ API, and enhanced mpremote recursive copy. Damien George goes into more detail about the RISC-V improvements: β¦ include an RV32IMC native code emitter, native NLR and GC register scanning implementations for 32- and 64-bit RISC-V, support for placing RV32IMC native code in .mpy files and also freezing it, and RISC-V semihosting support. Testing for RISC-V is done with the qemu and unix ports, and the support is utilised in the esp32 and rp2 ports. The Raspberry Pi RP2350 comes with both Arm Cortex-M33 and RISC-V cores, and the good [...]
Seeed Studio has recently launched the OpenUC2 10x AI portable microscope built around the XIAO ESP32-S3 Sense module. Designed for educational, environmental research, health monitoring, and prototyping applications this microscope features an OV2640 camera with a 10x magnification with precise motorized focusing, high-resolution imaging, and real-time TinyML processing for image handling. The microscope is modular and open-source making it easy to customize and expand its features using 3D-printed parts, motorized stages, and additional sensors. It supports Wi-Fi connectivity with a durable body, uses USB-C for power and swappable objectives make it usable in various applications. Previously we have written about similar portable microscopes like the ioLight microscope and the KoPa W5 Wi-Fi Microscope, and Jean-Luc also tested a cheap USB microscope to read part number of components. Feel free to check those out if you are looking for a cheap microscope. OpenUC2 10x specifications: Wireless MCU β Espressif SystemsΒ ESP32-S3 CPU [...]
We are thrilled to announce that Granite models, IBMβs family of open source and proprietary models built for business, as well as Red Hat InstructLab model alignment tools, are now available on Docker Hub.Β
Now, developer teams can easily access, deploy, and scale applications using IBMβs AI models specifically designed for developers.
This news will be officially announced during the AI track of the keynote at IBM TechXchange on October 22. Attendees will get an exclusive look at how IBMβs Granite models on Docker Hub accelerate AI-driven application development across multiple programming languages.
Why Granite on Docker Hub?
With a principled approach to data transparency, model alignment, and security, IBMβs open source Granite models represent a significant leap forward in natural language processing. The models are available under an Apache 2.0 license, empowering developer teams to bring generative AI into mission-critical applications and workflows.Β
Granite models deliver superior performance in coding and targeted language tasks at lower latencies, all while requiring a fraction of the compute resources and reducing the cost of inference. This efficiency allows developers to experiment, build, and scale generative AI applications both on-premises and in the cloud, all within departmental budgetary limits.
Hereβs what this means for you:
Simplified deployment: Pull the Granite image from Docker Hub and get up and running in minutes.
Scalability: Docker offers a lightweight and efficient method for scaling artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) applications. It allows you to run multiple containers on a single machine or distribute them across different machines in a cluster, enabling horizontal scalability.
Flexibility: Customize and extend the model to suit your specific needs without worrying about underlying infrastructure.
Portability: By creating Docker images once and deploying them anywhere, you eliminate compatibility problems and reduce the need for configurations.Β
Community support: Leverage the vast Docker and IBM communities for support, extensions, and collaborations.
In addition to the IBM Granite models, Red Hat also made the InstructLab model alignment tools available on Docker Hub. Developers using InstructLab can adapt pre-trained LLMs using far less real-world data and computing resources than alternative methodologies. InstructLab is model-agnostic and can be used to fine-tune any LLM of your choice by providing additional skills and knowledge.
With IBM Granite AI models and InstructLab available on Docker Hub, Docker and IBM enable easy integration into existing environments and workflows.
Getting started with Granite
You can find the following images available on Docker Hub:
InstructLab: Ideal for desktop or Mac users looking to explore InstructLab, this image provides a simple introduction to the platform without requiring specialized hardware. Itβs perfect for prototyping and testing before scaling up.
Granite-7b-lab: This image is optimized for model serving and inference on desktop or Mac environments, using the Granite-7B model. It allows for efficient and scalable inference tasks without needing a GPU, perfect for smaller-scale deployments or local testing.
How to pull and run IBM Granite images from Docker HubΒ
IBM Granite provides a toolset for building and managing cloud-native applications. Follow these steps to pull and run an IBM Granite image using Docker and the CLI.Β You can follow similar steps for the Red Hat InstructLab images.
Authenticate to Docker Hub
Enter your Docker username and password when prompted.
Pull the IBM Granite Image
Pull the IBM Granite image from Docker Hub. Β
redhat/granite-7b-lab-gguf: For Mac/desktop users with no GPU support
Run the Image in a Container
Start a container with the IBM Granite image. The container can be started in two modes: CLI (default) and server.
To start the container in CLI mode, run the following: docker run --ipc=host -it redhat/granite-7b-lab-ggufΒ
This command opens an interactive bash session within the container, allowing you to use the tools.
To run the container in server mode, run the following command:
docker run --ipc=host -it redhat/granite-7b-lab-gguf -s
Granite on Docker Hub will be officially announced at the IBM TechXchange Conference, which will be held October 21-24 in Las Vegas. Our head of technical alliances, Eli Aleyner, will show a live demonstration at the AI track of the keynote during IBM TechXchange. Oleg Ε elajev, Dockerβs staff developer evangelist, will show how app developers can test their GenAI apps with local models. Additionally, youβll learn how Dockerβs collaboration with Red Hat is improving developer productivity.
The availability of Granite on Docker Hub marks a significant milestone in making advanced AI models accessible to all. Weβre excited to see how developer teams will harness the power of Granite to innovate and solve complex challenges.
Stay anchored for more updates, and as always, happy coding!
Infineon Technologies XENSIV game controller is a reference design that integrates XENSIV magnetic position sensors for precise joystick control without sensor drift and XENSIV Hall switch triggers for reliable operation. The controller also features capacitive CAPSENSE buttons, CAPSENSE presence detection, and a SPIDER+ rumble driver. These components work together with the PSoC 6 BLE microcontroller to create a low-power, plug-and-play solution. The onboard display allows users to monitor joystick movements, connection status, configurations, and battery information. The controller connects to PCs or smartphones as a USB human interface device (HID) without requiring manual configuration or driver installation. It also supports Bluetooth Low Energy and uses capacitive presence detection to optimize battery life. The design includes a PSoC 6 debugger and supports customizable shields providing flexibility for software and hardware integration. Previously, we covered an Arduino Nano Matter-powered game controller that successfully ported Quake, a popular first-person shooter game. Weβve also [...]
Silicon Labs Solutions architect Nicola Wrachien has designed an Arduino Nano Matter gamepad for which he was successfully able to port Quake, a popular first-person shooter game. We have seen developers and engineers port doom on everything from toothbrushes to GPS receivers. Wrachien was previously able to port Doom on a Sparkfun Thing Plus Matter MGM240P at Silicon Labsβ 30th-anniversary celebration. But to make things more interesting and challenging he wanted to see if Quake could be run on the same MGM240SD22VNA MCU, and he succeeded. In the end, he could not only run the game, but he also implemented improved graphics (better than Doom), better physics, 3D rendering, and much more. This gamepad is built around an Arduino Nano Matter board which features MGM240SD22VNA MCU from Silicon Labs, along with 256KB of RAM, which is very low compared to Quakeβs original system requirements which is a minimum of 8MB [...]
Developer and engineer Oliver Fabel has developed a port that is designed to run MicroPython on the Flipper Zero. This port allows users to write programs for Flipper Zero in Python, instead of built-in JavaScript. Till now you can access GPIO, ADC, PWM, the speaker, buttons, the display, and infrared communication with this but it doesnβt have support for NFC or RFID yet, and itβs still under development. Previously we have written about various addon boards for the Flipper Zero like the Mayhem v2, the ESP8266 Deauther board, the CAN bus addon board, and other powerful alternatives of the Flipper like The M1 and the HackBat. Feel free to check those out if you are interested in the topic. The process is simple, and you donβt have to do a firmware update to work with MicroPython, you can download the application from the community-driven Flipper app store and are good [...]
Jumperless V5 is a one-of-a-kind, programmable breadboard based on a Raspberry Pi RP2350B microcontroller that lets you skip the jumper wires and jump right into prototyping. It is described as βan Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for hardware.β The Jumperless V5 also removes the need for test equipment as it comes with built-in power supplies and can function as a multimeter, oscilloscope, function generator, and logic analyzer. As the name implies, the Jumperless V5 breadboard is a revamped version of the original Jumperless, with significant upgrades to make the board easier to use. The Jumperless V5 features a 14 x 30 LED matrix display under the breadboard, a probe for making connections and measurements, four Β±8 V, 300 mA power supplies, daisy-chain headers, and overcurrent/overvoltage protection. The software-defined jumpers allow all points to be connected. The four individually programmable Β±8 V power supplies, GPIOs, and management channels for voltage, current, and [...]
Olimex RVPC is one Euro RISC-V computer powered by a WCH CH32V003 RISC-V microcontroller and equipped with a VGA port for video output and a PS/2 connector to connect a keyboard. You wonβt be able to do much with this device as an end-user, but it does not matter since the RVPC open-source hardware board mostly targets the education market and is offered as a kit to be soldered to lower the selling price and to serve as a soldering learning kit. Olimex RVPC specifications: MCU β WCH CH32V003 32-bit RISC-V2A microcontroller up to 48 MHz with 2KB SRAM, 16KB flash (SOP8 package with 6x GPIOs) Video Output β VGA connector (3x GPIO used for Vsync, HSync, and RGB) Keyboard port β PS/2 connector (2x GPIO used) Programmer port β 2-pin header for CH32V003 programming through a board such as ESP32-S2-DevKit-LiPo-USB Misc β Buzzer (1x GPIO) and Red power LED [...]
Joey Castillo of Oddly Specific Objects has released a follow-up to the Sensor Watch, aptly named Sensor Watch Pro. The Sensor Watch Pro remains a board swap for the classic Casio F-91W or A158W digital watch that replaces the original quartz movement with the low-power ARM Cortex-M0+ microcontroller. The Sensor Watch Pro retains features from the Sensor Watch Lite and comes with a few upgrades such as a louder piezo buzzer, an RGB LED, an infrared light sensor, and a completely soldering-free experience. The new watch integrates a custom-fabricated metal spring connector that previously had to be manually soldered after purchase. We had also looked at other hackable watches in the past, such as Bangle.js, Bangle.js 2, and Watchy. Buyers can opt for a custom LCD that extends the number of segments available from 72 segments to 92 segments. It comes with an onboard temperature sensor and can be connected [...]
The ThunderScope is an open-source, Thunderbolt/USB4 and PCIe oscilloscope with a sampling rate of up to 1 GS/s. It is portable, presents an affordable, open-source alternative to expensive bench-top and PC-based scopes, and delivers a higher sampling rate than most USB oscilloscopes. ThunderScope streams sample data to your computer for processing and analysis, unlike traditional oscilloscopes which βare limited by their built-in processing capabilities and cramped user interfaces.β It uses the fastest available interface, Thunderbolt, to stream data, allowing it to use your computerβs full potential. ThunderScope is βthe only scope that will get better every time you upgrade your computer.β The Thunderbolt oscilloscope is based on AMDβs Artix 7 XC7A35T-2CSG325C FPGA. It supports up to four channels and a full analog bandwidth of 500 MHz (with the anti-aliasing filter disabled). It doesnβt require an external power source, as it is powered via the Thunderbolt port. It comes in a [...]
Circuit Digestβs LiteWing is a low-cost DIY drone controlled by an ESP32 module, based on a custom PCB and off-the-shelf parts that costs around 1000 Rupees to make, or $12 at todayβs exchange rate. The DIY ESP32 drone was designed as a low-cost alternative to more expensive DIY drones that typically cost close to $70. The result is a WiFi drone that fits in the palm and controlled over WiFi using a smartphone. Interestingly it does not include any 3D printed parts as the PCB forms the chassis of the device. DIY ESP32 drone key features and components Wireless module β ESP32-WROOM-32 for WiFi control using a smartphone. Storage β MicroSD card slot Sensors β MPU6050 IMU for stability control. Propulsion 4x 720 coreless motors 2x 55mm propeller type A(CW) 2x 55mm propeller type B(CCW) USB β 1x USB-C port for charging and programming (via CP2102N) Power Management 1300mAh Li-Ion [...]
SparkFun has released a new air quality multi-sensor board, the Indoor Air Quality Combo Sensor, which integrates the SCD41 and SEN55 sensors from Sensirion for measuring carbon dioxide, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), particulate matter, relative humidity, and temperature. The air quality multi-sensor board simplifies power management for the two sensors via onboard DC voltage conversion and allows a single Qwiic connection for power and communication. It features two Qwiic connectors and a 0.1β-space through-hole header for I2C and power. The board is not a complete solution for indoor air quality monitoring. It has to be connected to a Qwiic-enabled microcontroller such as SparkFun Thing Plus Matter, DataLogger IoT, and the ESP32 Qwiic Pro Mini. Users can install the required Arduino libraries β the Arduino Core library, Sensirion I2C SEN5x, and SparkFun SCD4x β either via the Arduino library manager or directly from SparkFun. The device is open-source, with hardware files, [...]
Seeed Studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for the SenseCAP Watcher, a physical AI agent capable of monitoring a space and taking actions based on events within that area. Described as the βworldβs first Physical LLM Agent for Smarter Spaces,β the SenseCAP Watcher leverages onboard and cloud-based technologies to βbridge the gap between digital intelligence and physical applications.β The SenseCAP Watcher is powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller coupled with a Himax WiseEye2 HX6538 chip (Cortex-M55 and Ethos-U55 microNPU) for image and vector data processing. It builds on the Grove Vision AI V2 module and comes in a form factor about one-third the size of an iPhone. Onboard features include a camera, touchscreen, microphone, and speaker, supporting voice command recognition and multimodal sensor expansion. It runs the SenseCraft software suite which integrates on-device tinyML models with powerful large language models, either running on a remote cloud server or a local computer [...]
Zerowriter Ink is an e-paper word processor for writers interested in an open-source, distraction-free writing tool built around the ESP32-S3 wireless microcontroller. It features a customizable, mechanical keyboard with low-profile Kailh Choc switches and a second-edition Inkplate 5 e-paper display from Soldered Electronics. The Zerowriter Ink is a compact, dedicated writing tool that can be tossed in a backpack and taken on the road. It is designed as an open-source, customizable alternative to other portable word processors like the Alphasmart Neo and the Pomera DM30. It builds on the first ZeroWriter project but comes fully assembled. The keyboard is hot-swappable, with a US-English layout and printed legends. The onboard Inkplate 5 e-paper display is powered by an ESP32-S3 microcontroller with support for Wi-Fi 4 and BLE 4. It also comes with a 5,000mAh LiPo battery that can last for several weeks of daily use or a month of standby on [...]
Teledatics has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the TD-HALOM HaloMax Wi-Fi HaLow module available in LGA and M.2 form factors for long-range and low-power connectivity, as well as HaLow development boards based on the module and various daughterboards for expansion. The wireless module, powered by Newracomβs NRC7394 SoC, is the product of a collaboration between Newracom and Teledatics. According to Zac Freeman, VP of Marketing & Sales at Newracom, the HaloMax module is βthe highest output power Wi-Fi HaLow module available on the market. The Teledatics TD-HALOM module transmits at the highest allowable FCC power output and offers a Maximum Range HaLow solution.β Earlier this year, Teledatics broke the record for the longest distance for a Wi-Fi HaLow connection using the HaloMax wireless module and TE Connectivity Yagi antennas. Two Raspberry Pi 4 Model B units were able to communicate over a distance of 106km between Mount Greylock and Mount [...]
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